TOPIC
IR Emitter Module - v0.1
devhammer
Master with 10,346 points
4 months ago
Exp: Good hardware / Excellent software | Own: Hydra, Spider
So, as I may have mentioned in a couple of threads, I've been working on a project where I'm using my Spider mainboard to output IR codes via an extender control connecting to a breadboarded series of IR LEDs.I'm hoping to turn this into a Gadgeteer module (BTW - Gus, PLEASE let me know if you're already working on this, so I don't waste my time), and to that end, I took some time this evening to move from a breadboarded circuit, to putting the circuit onto a PCB with a 3-pin header for 5v, signal, and Gnd.
I had an extra controller from my IR helicopter which I had already started disassembling, so I salvaged the IR LED array from it, hooked up a 2222 NPN transistor, and a couple of 100ohm resistors in parallel (I didn't have a 50ohm available), and a jumper to get from base to the appropriate header pin.
Next step is to get a copy of Eagle and design the actual physical module, and get it made.
Here's the result:
devhammer
Master with 10,346 points
4 months ago
Exp: Good hardware / Excellent software | Own: Hydra, Spider
Lessons I learned making this:- Double...no, triple-check that you're wiring it the right way, BEFORE you solder.
- Solder wick may be one of the most wonderful things on earth, especially when you forget #1.
- Sometimes your circuit is perfect, and it's the jumper wire you're using to test it that's bad.
- Test your jumpers BEFORE you unnecessarily unsolder a perfectly good circuit.
- Making stuff is awesome!
Here's a pic of the back:
devhammer
Master with 10,346 points
4 months ago
Exp: Good hardware / Excellent software | Own: Hydra, Spider
@ArchitectLOL!
Believe it or not, I seriously considered trying to make a Gadgeteer logo with a sharpie, but I'm lousy at freehand drawing, and there's no font for that G on my label maker. Guess I'll just have to wait for the next iteration.
devhammer
Master with 10,346 points
4 months ago
Exp: Good hardware / Excellent software | Own: Hydra, Spider
@ArchitectYeah, that board is getting a little crowded. Once I get the Tamiya universal plates I ordered, I'll be moving the Hydra off to its own board, so that should give the spider a little more breathing room.
I may also see if I can figure out how to mount the LCD on an adjustable angle, rather than flat. So many possibilities!
Architect
King with 48,166 points
4 months ago
Exp: Excellent hardware / Excellent software | Own: CANxtra, ChipworkX, Cerb40, Cerberus, Domino, Hydra, Mini, Panda, Panda II, Rhino, Spider
I have a suggestion for your module. Add 3 NPN transistors (1 per led) and another PNP to "rule them all". 
You can even go for 4 leds similar two TV-B-Gone.
devhammer
Master with 10,346 points
4 months ago
Exp: Good hardware / Excellent software | Own: Hydra, Spider
What do I get by adding the extra transistors? So far as I can tell, the output with the current setup is plenty for the purposes of flying the heli, which is probably the most demanding task I can think of for the module.Turning off or on a TV with this should be a breeze.
What am I missing? Keeping in mind, here, that I'm a newb, not an EE.